Shettima Warns: Excluding Hausa, Fulani, Or Kanuri Muslims From Ticket Could Spark Crisis

The Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has cautioned that any attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to alter its Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections could seriously undermine the party’s prospects, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

Musawa made the comments during an interview on the Mic On Show, hosted by journalist Seun Okinbaloye, amid speculation that the APC might reconsider the religious and regional composition of its ticket.

She warned that replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima, or selecting a running mate who is not a Northern Muslim, could alienate the party’s core northern supporters. “If there is no Hausa, Fulani, or Kanuri Muslim on that ticket, it creates a hurdle. That is the reality of how people think,” Musawa said.

She emphasized that politics in the North is deeply rooted, sophisticated, and highly strategic. Voter loyalty and turnout depend on parties’ understanding of local sentiments.

“The core northern states—Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa, Zamfara, and Sokoto—take politics very seriously. It is a way of life. Every four years, people line up to vote because that is where they feel their voices matter,” she noted.

Musawa criticized suggestions that the APC could reshuffle its ticket without repercussions, calling such ideas naive. “If we toy with changing the current ticket structure, it will be a problem. Those who think otherwise may not fully grasp northern politics,” she said.

Addressing concerns about growing opposition coalitions ahead of 2027, Musawa dismissed the idea that they could unseat President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Shettima. “The opposition is overcrowded, with every member vying for the same position. That alone sets them up for political failure,” she said.

While acknowledging the opposition’s activity, Musawa stressed that its fragmentation weakens its overall influence. “We are not underestimating anyone, but given their current state, I do not see how they can unseat President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima,” she added.

She concluded by emphasizing that the APC remains focused on consolidating its political base, welcoming a strong opposition as beneficial for democracy. “Opposition is healthy for democracy. Nobody wants a one-party state. But we are confident in our political direction,” Musawa said.